Editor's Login

It is with a heavy heart that we report the death of friend and long-term resident of Rio Dulce, Rhidian Hughes. With a strong rolling “R,” he was affectionately called R-R-R-Rhidian, the Wild Welshman.

Having been ill for a while in Rio Dulce, Rhidian returned to his home country of Wales for health care, where he was diagnosed with liver failure and hospitalized. After being unresponsive for over a week, Rhidian was taken off life support and allowed to pass peacefully, as he did early Monday morning, August 14th.

Rhidian taught school and coached rugby in early years and traveled extensively after retirement. His eyes would light up as he told stories of the places he had been and the friends he had made around the world. His travels stopped short, however, when he arrived in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. He stayed at Casa Perico, where he met Yeni Yveth Orellana. Almost immediately, Yveth became the source of the sparkle in his eyes. They were together for seven years, and Yveth’s three children loved Rhidian as a father.

Rhidian had a capacity for conversation and camaraderie that was admirable. He had the ability to make people laugh and have fun. He was one of the “charter members” of the group that started the International Trivia Quiz nights in Rio Dulce, and was a delight whenever it was his turn to be quizmaster. Regardless of the subject of his questions, somehow, Rhidian managed to relate all of them to his beloved Wales. (Click "Read more..." for more photos and information).

His enthusiasm for rugby never faltered and Rhidian always gathered a group of friends to watch the televised rugby matches at The Sundog Café or The Shack. Even those who knew nothing about rugby would get caught-up in his excitement. The Welsh songs, the drink (or two?!), and the obligatory waving of leeks (yes, the vegetable) added to the fun. Rhidian said leeks were worn in the caps of the good guys – the Welsh, of course, in an ancient battle, to distinguish them from their foes. Ever since, they have been a symbol of victory for the Welsh, and a “must-have” when cheering the rugby team.

The Rio Dulce is losing one of its great characters, and we will miss Rhidian terribly. His many friends mourn his passing, as evidenced by the numerous well-wishes and great memories that are flooding the Facebook postings of this sad news.

Our sincere condolences go to Yveth and her children, her sisters and their families, and Rhidian’s sons, Llyr and Aled Rhidian Thomas Hughes, Rhidian’s sister, and the entire Hughes family. A service and cremation will be held in Wales on August 23rd.